Sheet-Pan Garlic Parmesan Salmon & Green Beans Recipe

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? This Sheet-Pan Garlic Parmesan Salmon & Green Beans recipe is just the answer! It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to cook everything on one pan. Plus, I’ll share tips to make the fish flaky and the beans crispy. Let’s dive into this delicious dish that’ll impress everyone at your table. Ready to get started?
Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients
For this tasty dish, gather these simple items:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap ingredients if needed. For the salmon, use chicken or shrimp. If you don’t have green beans, try asparagus or broccoli. Instead of olive oil, you can use melted butter. For garlic, garlic powder works too. If you lack Parmesan, use another cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
Essential equipment needed
To make this meal, you’ll need a few key tools:
- A large baking sheet
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup
- A small bowl for mixing
- A mixing bowl for the green beans
- A brush for applying the garlic oil
- A fork to check if the salmon is done
Step-by-Step Instructions
Instructions overview
This dish is easy to make. You will need to follow a few simple steps. Start by preparing your oven and baking sheet. Then, you’ll mix the flavors and cook everything together on one pan. It’s fun and quick!
Detailed cooking steps
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the salmon cooks well.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup later.
3. Mix olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
4. Place the salmon fillets on one side of the baking sheet. Make sure they have space.
5. Brush the garlic oil mixture on each salmon fillet. Use enough to coat them well.
6. Toss the green beans in the same bowl with the leftover garlic oil. Mix until coated.
7. Spread the green beans on the other side of the baking sheet. Keep them in a single layer.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the salmon and green beans. This adds a tasty touch!
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the beans are tender.
10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle.
11. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze them for extra flavor.
Visual aids or tips for each step
- Step 1: Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature.
- Step 3: Use a whisk to blend the oil and spices well.
- Step 6: A bowl with a lid works best for tossing the beans.
- Step 9: The salmon should be light pink inside when done.
- Step 11: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and adds zing.
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for cooking salmon
To cook salmon perfectly, start with fresh fillets. Look for bright color and no strong smell. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. This helps the oil stick better. Brush the garlic oil mixture on the top and sides. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Let the salmon rest a few minutes after baking. This keeps it juicy and allows flavors to settle.
How to achieve crispy green beans
For crispy green beans, trim them well. This removes tough ends. Toss the green beans in the garlic oil mixture. Make sure they are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the pan. Crowding the beans traps steam and makes them soggy. Bake them until tender but still firm. You can broil them for a minute at the end for extra crispness. Always check them to avoid burning.
Flavor enhancement suggestions
To boost flavors, add lemon zest to the garlic oil. This gives a fresh, bright taste. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. For a richer flavor, mix in some smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a nice touch. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. Each bite will burst with flavor. These small changes make a big difference.
Variations
Alternative proteins (chicken, shrimp)
You can swap salmon for chicken or shrimp. For chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Cook them for 20-25 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Shrimp cooks faster. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. Both options soak up the garlic and Parmesan flavors well.
Vegetable swaps (asparagus, broccoli)
Green beans are great, but you can use other veggies. Asparagus gives a nice crunch. It cooks in about the same time as green beans. Broccoli is another tasty choice. Cut it into smaller florets for even cooking. Toss them with the same garlic mixture for extra flavor.
Different seasoning options (spicy, citrus)
Want a kick? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic oil. This makes the dish spicy and exciting. For a fresh twist, use lemon zest and a bit of juice. This brightens up the flavors and pairs well with the fish. You can mix and match these ideas to suit your taste.
Storage Info
How to store leftovers
After you enjoy your meal, let the leftovers cool. Place the salmon and green beans in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have lemon wedges left, store them separately. This keeps them fresh.
Reheating suggestions
When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon and green beans on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the salmon moist and the green beans crispy. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking.
Freezing instructions
If you want to save your meal for later, you can freeze it. Wrap each salmon fillet and green beans well in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This keeps them fresh for up to two months. To thaw, move them to the fridge a day before you plan to eat. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.
FAQs
How do I know when the salmon is done?
You can tell when the salmon is done by checking its color and texture. Cooked salmon turns from a bright pink to a lighter shade. It should flake easily with a fork. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet; it should break apart without much effort. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. You can marinate the salmon and toss the green beans with the garlic oil mixture. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking. This will let the flavors meld, making your meal even tastier. Just remember to take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe works well for meal prep. You can cook a larger batch and divide it into containers. The salmon and green beans hold up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to eat. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy meal throughout the week.
This blog post covers all you need for a delicious salmon meal. We explored essential ingredients, substitutions, and the right tools. You learned the steps to cook perfectly crisp green beans and salmon. I also shared tips for flavor and different variations to try. Finally, we discussed how to store leftovers and reheating tips. Cooking can be fun and easy. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe!
